On Broadway but based in Boston

The only reason I saw this little indie movie is because I knew some of the producers and talent involved in the film and the entire film was available to watch on Hulu. On Broadway (2007) is done by writer director Dave McLaughlin a local Boston guy who was able to with the help of his producer Charlie Harrington raise about a million dollars and to attach local actors like Will Arnett, Mike O'Malley, Eliza Dushku and Amy Poehler to make this film. Essentially it is a passion project, which I am sure on some level mirrored the struggles of the characters in the film.

Joey McIntyre of New Kids On The Block fame stars as Jack O'Toole, the son of an Irish immigrant living in Boston. As the movie opens up we witness the death of Jack's uncle, a man that seemed to have more impact on his life than his own father. Now before I lose your attention because you saw that McIntyre stars in the film, let me say that he is very good, and comes off extremely like able as a guy who decides to write and construct a play based on the funeral and wake of his uncle. Now the set up of the movie doesn't really hit home, in fact the first 25 minutes are boring instead of what they should be which is to make the audience realize what Jack realizes so we understand why there is a drive for him to make this play. But to the critics of the first part of the movie, I say, bear with it and except it, and if you do, the rest of the film will be much more rewarding.

McIntyre's character wants to make a play about family, loss and loyalty, but so does McLaulin, and I think both succeed. To be perfectly honest, the big reason this film worked for me despite its predictability, it's weak plot devices and on the nose dialogue is because there was a lot of truth that I personally can relate too. I am a Boston based guy who understands the difficulties of putting together something creative, the toll it takes on loved ones, wanting parental approval, the frustrations and anger when everything goes wrong, and doing it all not knowing the end result. This movie really speaks to those things, so if you are a struggling artist, ignore the artist integrity of the film, but jump right to the sole of the picture and it will tug on the old heart strings.

Its interesting to note that the performances that really stood out in the film where not the likes of Arnett and Poehler, in fact those two felt out of place in the story. It was Eliza Dushku, Lucas Caleb and especially Mike O'Malley as Father Rolie who brought both an authenticity and truth to the story.

There is absolutely some personal bias in this review of On Broadway. There is nothing original or gritty about this little film, but it did effect me and really isn't that what we are all striving for when creating art.

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